Labeling blood platelets with stable tracers.: 95

Abstract

We investigated the possibility of labeling platelets by stable tracers. The concentration of the tracers was estimated by the Fluorescence X radioisotopic technique using a 3mCi Cd-109 source, a Xe-filled proportional detector and a single channel analyzer. In this paper we compared the in vitro survival of human platelets, anticoagulated with EDTA, stored at 22°C, labeled with stable Rb, with that of cells marked with 51Cr. Three experiments were performed. A typical curve is shown. A similar investigation was performed in vivo in rabbits. The mean half-life deduced from ten animals was 22±3h (SE), for Rb labeled platelets; 18±2h for 51Cr marked platelets. The elution rate of the stable tracer shows no difference in comparison with that of 51Cr.Rb as a tracer offers several advantages (low toxicity, no exposure to radiation) and it can represent a valuable alternative to radioisotopes in the study of the platelet survival for the pediatric research.